Paulaner Hefeweizen

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Paulaner Hefeweizen
Paulaner Brewing
Munich, Germany
Est. 1634
www.paulaner.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (bottle) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy straw/golden color.
Definite wheat aroma with banana and clove notes.
Bright white, head that carries to the end of the glass.
Some rings and dots of lacing.
Light and refreshing mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
On draught, the Paulaner Hefe is higher in ABV than the 5.5 in a bottle.  Every inch of the 16 ounce liquid bread is oozing with goodness.  It's foamy head was Wonder Bread® white to be exact!

Elizabeth was our server and took good care of us during the visit.  The WOB is fast becoming a local "haunt".  And what with Halloween so close, I might be stopping by  for some 'Trick-or-Treating', muahhahahah!

You should get the picture now and go have yourself one of these tall golden German beauties.  Mmmmm.

Avery - Karma

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Karma Belgian Style Pale Ale
Avery Brewing
5763 Arapahoe Ave.
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1993
www.averybrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Orange golden color.
Fruity aromas with yeast and esters.
Off white, creamy three finger high head.
Traces of lacing on the glass.
Medium mouth feel with sweet fruity finish. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
From a combo pack, this little gem was tucked inside. Matter of fact, two of them were in the box. Lucky me.
The second bottle in the crypt that has Buddha's image. We'll take all the luck and wisdom we can get.

The folks at Avery have these Belgian yeasts down to a science and it shows in this aromatic brew. A touch of sweetness and some esters really set this ale apart from others in its class.

"Good things DO happen to good people.." is on the label with the rest of the Karma story. Let this ale happen for you!

Flying Dog - Doggie Style

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Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale
Flying Dog Brewery
Frederick, MD USA
Est. 1983
www.flyingdogales.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich, amber orange color.
Balanced malt and hops aroma.
Caramel malt taste with tangy hops finish.
Off white, twofinger head with great ringed lacing.
Medium bodied flavor and body. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Here's a good dog that bites back. 35 IBU's give it just enough bark to set it a notch above other American pale ales. Wonderful on it's own, as a session beer or even with a good steak. Heck, it's hard for this not to be good!

Bring this doggie home and see how it becomes your best friend. Good boy!

Young's Double Chocolate Stout

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Young's Double Chocolate Stout
Wells and Young's Brewing Company
Havelock Street
Bedford, UK
Est. 1876
www.wellsandyoungs.co.uk

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) - 14.9 (Nitrogen Can) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Solid black color.
Roasty malts and chocolate smells.
Full foamy, tan head with staying power.
Absolutely coats the whole inside of the glass.
Rich full mouth feel, luscious silky smooth.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
First 'tap' review here, but unfortunately, no true 'dead soldier' to portray above. Never mind that.

Update 11/25/09: Now a nitrogen can for the picture.

Looking for some dessert led me to this beauty of a chocolate stout. Having recently reaped another cho-stout, it left me wanting to see what others had to offer in this style of indulgence. The second best part* was watching it pour from the tap. The double forming head took about two full minutes to settle down as the bartender worked his magic.

The thick and creamy head this stout supplied was a challenge for my foam sweeping mustache. Occupational hazard, some might say. All in all, a great milk stout and one for the books.

*Oh. What was the first best part, you ask? Drinking it, of course!

Great Divide - Denver Pale Ale

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Great Divide - Denver Pale Ale
Great Divide Brewing Company
2201 Arapahoe Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.greatdivide.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep amber, nearly copper in color.
Mild malt and fragrant hops aroma.
Two finger tall, tan head with great retained lacing.
Easy session drinker.
Medium mouth feel, splash of hops with each sip.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Another visit to WOBUSA and another claimed beer. This is such a good English IPA and went well with dinner. Spicy hops tinge each sip. Great Divide has a made this an easy to drink session IPA.

Al and Brogan hosted this evening and helped me continue my knowledge in their new establishment, while broadening my knowledge in beers and ales.

Another notch in my Loyalty Card and another great beer from Great Divide.

Holy Mackerel - Special Golden Ale (2009)

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Holy Mackerel
Special Golden Ale
Gordash Beer Company
Melbourne, FL USA
Est. 2003
www.holymackerelbeers.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber color.
Nondescript aromas; complex but subtle. Perhaps some clove in it?
Bitter alcohol aftertaste; antiseptic.
Medium sized, off-white head that dissipated slowly.
Significant ringed lacing on the glass.
Medium mouth feel; complex flavors, slight alcohol aftertaste. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
According to the label, "Originally brewed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this golden ale is Belgian-style, yet with a Florida twist. Quite a refreshing yet complex beer, excellent now but one that will only mature if cellared for 2 years."

Ever have a US savings bond? You know how it's half the face value when purchased and then takes years to mature? That is what is in store for this beer judging from the label. It's dated 2009. I am a patient man, but that's asking a lot, don't you think? If you're like me, you want your beer like it's money...NOW!

The label goes on to state, "Brewed for and under the supervision of Gordash Beer Co., at Thomas Creek Brewery LLC, Greenville, SC. " Guess they forgot their Florida roots when moving north. I mention this because WE DON'T HAVE CELLARS IN FLORIDA! Duh! Okay, so I'm taking them a bit too literal.

As with their Imperial Black, this one had some bitter alcohol taste throughout the glass.
The high notes, you ask?

1. Great lacing
2. Killer alcohol buzz
3. Complex flavors
   

The rest? Well, let's go dig a hole and start working on that cellar.

Try one yourself, if you have the time.................

Oskar Blues - Gordon Ale

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Gordon Ale
Oskar Blues Brewery LLC
1800 Pike Road
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1997
www.oskarblues.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber, hazy, translucent color.
Hop aroma and other complex aromas.
Fast dissipating off-white head.
Fair amount of lace on the glass.
Full flavor (understatement), medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Oskar Blues. Drove by the (in)famous 'silo' building in September and marveled at the feat. Now I marvel at the ale.

Mrs. Reaper and myself treated ourselves to a brand spanking new dispensary of beer in our local area. It goes by the name "World of Beer". I must say there is much truth in advertising at this pub. All of the brews are arranged by country in their prominent refrigerators behind the bar. Along with the bottle and can selection, there are 40 taps just waiting to pour a river of suds into pint glasses. No, no food. It's not called World of Beer for nothing. But don't worry. There are many nearby restaurants that will bring the food to you while enjoying your pint(s).

When faced with this daunting wall of choices, Megan, our hostess, inquired as to what style of beer appealed to me. Since it's usually on the hoppier side, a Gordon's was suggested. Sure, I know what you're thinking. Out of all those taps and bottles, why would a canned brew be my first choice?!?

Well, don't knock it. Oskar Blues has made a fine tribute beer for a fallen friend Gordon Knight. You can read more about that on their site. Sufficed to say that it is a great ale with strong hop presence and a certain sweetness at the end of each sip. This award winning ale has an 8.7% ABV. It will knock you on your butt, so take your time getting to know it better. All I can say is, fantastic! And yes, their beer comes in a can. Make that can-tastic! It all makes great sense if you think about it.

There's plenty of choices for the much disdained macro 'yellow' beer our there. So now you have a real choice when it comes to beer in a can. Really, ponder that for a second...With Oskar's, you get the complete 'package'. All the taste of a craft beer with all the convenience of a can! Now you are enlightened.

So my fellow crypt-mates, get off you 'glass' and get your can in gear.

Stone India Pale Ale

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Stone India Pale Ale
Stone Brewing Company
North San Diego County
Escondido, CA USA
Est. 1996
www.stonebrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber, translucent in color; definite suspension in the liquid.
Hop aroma, hop taste, hop finish.
Fast dissipating off-white head.
Minimal lace on the glass.
Full flavor, medium body with good carbonation.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
No doubt about it. It's another outstanding Stone ale. What a tasty hop-splosion for your tongue!

As in the other Stone ale reviewed, my little friend the gargoyle is on the bottle. There is even more ABV present this time. And more hops. And more woomph from those hops, (77 IBU's worth!) A friend and I recently enjoyed pints from the tap at Falling Rock Tap House in Denver. Just the place for an ale of this caliber.

I, "The Reaper" continue to be impressed by the tasty offerings from Stone. Gargoyles! Listen up. This is your second official notice. I will be continuing to claim more Stone ales in the future.

Great Divide - Wild Raspberry Ale

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Great Divide - Wild Raspberry Ale
Great Divide Brewing Company
2201 Arapahoe Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.greatdivide.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Ruby red color.
Mild malt and slight fruit aroma.
Foamy, two finger tall, tan head with decent lacing.
Easy session drinker.
Light mouth feel, raspberry tones in each sip.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Good things from the earth in an ale so easy to drink. Wild Raspberry Ale will tantalize you with the red and black raspberry tartness balanced with malts and easy amounts of hops. This was also enjoyed by the Mrs. , as she has a liking for the fruit concocted beers and ales.

A brew that goes as well with spicy dishes as it does on its own in any session of ale consumption. Get your toes in the grass, smell the fresh air and indulge in the sensation of Great Divide's wonderful nature brew.

Enjoy the nature on the "wild" side!

Laughing Lab - Scottish Style Ale

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Laughing Lab - Scottish Style Ale
Bristol Brewing Company
1647 South Tejon
Colorado Springs, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.bristolbrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Mahogany brown with ruby tones.
Mostly a malty aroma to the nose.
Creamy off-white head with string lacing.
Well nucleated with an abundance of small bubbles.
Medium mouth feel, plenty of malt flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Woof, woof! Good dog! This Scottish ale was a wonderful find. The maltiness was prevalent throughout the drink and was borderline extreme. A deliciously silky smooth way to unwind at the end of the day. Another of the fine selection of special craft beers found only in Colorado.

Your turn to fetch one!

Rogue - Chocolate Stout

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Chocolate Stout
Rogue Ales
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR USA
Est.1988
www.rogue.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep, dark brown in color.
Chocolate and malt smell with nearly no scent of hops.
Luxurious creamy caramel color head that lasts and lasts.
Luscious clinging of foam from top to bottom of glass.
Full bodied, malt, oat & chocolate flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Hey! You got chocolate in my beer! No, you got beer in my chocolate!

If you like 'hot' chocolate, then you're sure to enjoy this 'cold' chocolate beverage. Every time you bring it up to your lips, you'll swear there's a chocolate bar in your glass. The rich and frothy head is like a mousse dessert on top of your beer.

Let's not forget to talk about the hops. Inside this cocoa madness is a whopping 69 IBU's of taste bud tingling fun. It's not masked, nor does it overpower. Instead it adds to the wonderful mix of ingredients; quite balanced I might add.

True confession...after every sip I couldn't help but exclaim out loud, "...man that's a great beer!" Bring out your inner Rogue and go get one. They melt in your mouth.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro

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Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Birra Peroni Internazionale
via R. Birolli, 8
Roma, Italy
Est. 1846
www.peroniitaly.com/us

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.7% ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear golden yellow.
Grainy malt with trace hops scent.
Fluffy white head, lacing throughout the glass.
Light bodied and light mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Very nice and neat beer from a country that you'd more associate with a good wine. It's flavorful and refreshing. A clean and crisp euro-lager that is as much at home with a good Italian dish as any Chianti.

Dogfish Head - Raison D'Etre

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Dogfish Head - Raison D'Etre
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
6 Cannery Village Center
Milton, DE USA
Est. 1995
www.dogfish.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark brown with reddish tones.
Mostly a malty aroma with subtle sweetness.
Fast dissipating, tan head with minimal lacing.
Medium mouth feel, no overpowering raisin flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Raison D'Etre, a pun of the French phrase, "Raison d'être", meaning "reason for being". I don't know what the reason for the raisin being in the brew was, but I found it neither horrible nor fantastic. It fell somewhere in the middle which is where we all do, causing us to ponder the 'human condition' of our own reason for being. Does this beer have a complex?

While the raisin flavor was not as overpowering as had been anticipated, nether was it abundantly present. So, like French philosophy, I just didn't get it.

'Being' was my first foray into Dogfish Head brews, but I will not let it be my last. They have some impressive street cred, so we'll go get some of their other mainstream ales and analyze them on the couch some time in the future. Our session is up for this week, see the receptionist on the way out.

Beck's Beer

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Beck's Beer
Brauerei Beck & Co
(Anheuser-Busch/InBev)
Bremen, Germany
Est. 1873
www.becksbeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear golden color.
Malty grains and hop aromas.
Foamy, one finger tall, white head with dissipating lacing.
Good carbonation.
Light mouth feel, best if not served ice cold.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
You will always have your naysayers about Beck's. I happen to appreciate the great Pils taste. It's best consumed if left to warm in the glass a bit to bring out the full flavor and complexity of this great Bavarian beer.

They have been around for a long time, and in Germany where they really know their beer, that says a lot. Even if they have been swallowed up by the macro-daddy of them all, InBev/Anheuser-Busch. So treat yourself to a great German Pilsener and see what you have been missing.

Hawai'i Nui - Kaua'i Golden Ale

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Kaua'i Golden Ale
Hawai'i Nui Brewing
275 E. Kawili St
Hilo, HI USA
Est. 1994
www.hawaiinuibrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = ?.? % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Light nearly clear golden color.
Malt grains and citrus aromas.
Foamy, tall white head with dissipating lacing.
Good carbonation with small bubbles.
Light mouth feel, plenty of malt flavor with slight hops and citrus sweet finish.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is the other beer a good friend returned with from Hawai'i. Kaua'i Golden Ale was very interesting from the start. Although it mostly looked like any other 'yellow' beer, it had a touch of haze to it along with a sweet smell and aftertaste that was unlike anything else. You cannot judge this one on looks alone; it is deceptively good.

If you are able to surf out for one, good for you. If not, you'll have to wait like me for another wave of these to come ashore on the mainland.

Aloha!

Boulder Beer - Hazed and Infused

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Hazed and Infused

Boulder Beer Company

2880 Wilderness Place
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1979
www.boulderbeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.85 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber color.
Malty grain sweet smell with pine hops scent.
Tall, off-white head that dissipates slowly.

Good lacing on left on side of glass.
Medium carbonation with hops finish.
Full bodied, big flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This beer was sampled at the GABF (Great American Beer Festival) in September. It had me hooked and so upon return to home base, a purchase of their 22 oz. bomber bottle was procured. The taste was memorable and held up to the 1 oz. samples proffered up at GABF. While it has a great smell of hops from the dry infused process, it just slightly showed up in the taste. All in all, it is still a great craft beverage and one not to be missed. 

"Colorado's first microbrewery", is how they refer to themselves, while the bottle cap proclaims the commemoration of their 30th anniversary. Boulder Beer's website explains how they grew out of a small farm house to where they are today. At GABF, I reaped samples of their other craft brews; many of which were found to be delightful. I will do my best to locate them and bring their reviews here in the future.